At only 46 calories with 12 grams of carb and 2 grams of sugar a cup, the phytonutrient-rich cranberries have so much to offer to human health and well-being. To make the most of this wonder berry, consumption of fresh cranberries is best.
Anti-Inflammatary
As an anti-inflammatory agent, cranberries may help in easing rheumatoid arthritis and problems in the digestive and cardiovascular systems. It also protects the vessel walls.
Anti-UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Cranberries are a well-known remedy for UTI. Because of their rich content of the antioxidant proanthocyanidins, cranberries prevent UTI-causing bacteria from lodging into the urinary tract walls.
Anti-Ulcer
Stomach-ulcer causing Helicobacter pylori may be prevented from lodging into the stomach lining by consumption of cranberries and cranberry juice.
Dental Hero
The phytonutrient content of cranberries prevent decay-causing bacteria from being deposited onto the teeth's surface.
It also maintains gum health through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardiovascular Protector
The ability of cranberries to protect the heart and the blood vessels stems from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to regulate the good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL) ratio.
The UK National Heath Services (NHI) recommends a cholesterol level for healthy adults of 5mmol/L or less where the bad cholesterol (LDL) is 3mmol/L or less against a good cholesterol (HDL) level of 1 mmol/L or above.
Those at high risk are recommended to have a total cholesterol of 4mmol/L or less where the bad cholesterol (LDL) is 2mmol/L or less against a good cholesterol (HDL) level of 1 mmol/L or above.
Cranberry polyphenols help keep blood vessel walls plaque-free while antioxidant properties help lower blood pressure.
Anti-Cancer
Cranberries have been found to slow down and prevent certain types of tumour growth in such organs as the prostate, lungs, breasts and colon.
See Also:
- Fighting Obesity One Plate at a Time: How Much Should You Have on Your Plate?
- 4 Best Healthy Eating Habits for Prostate Cancer Prevention
- 6 Signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Is Your Appetite Loss a Symptom of Ulcerative Colitis?
- 9 Ways to Naturally Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
